Top News:
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
A relief effort: Theo talks to Houston in search of bullpen help — NAPLES, Fla. - The Red Sox met with the Houston Astros yesterday, and it was believed that obtaining relief help via a trade was high on their agenda. — Houston closer Brad Lidge, as well as relievers Brad Qualls and Dan Wheeler …
RELATED ITEMS:
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:Green light — For $51m, Sox get go-ahead on Matsuzaka
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Cubs bracing for busy off-season — NAPLES, Fla. - The Cubs, the most aggressive club at the general managers' meetings, are just getting started. — The team's ideal blueprint, according to new manager Lou Piniella, includes the addition of two more hitters and two starting pitchers.
RELATED ITEMS:
NY Daily News:
Mets appear bit gun-shy — Slow to overpay — NAPLES, Fla. - Although by virtue of their $38 million posting bid the Mets clearly viewed Daisuke Matsuzaka as a No. 1-type starter, they now appear prepared to go to Plan B for their rotation next year and that is "strength in numbers."
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Retain Father Figure and Ignore Father Time — The Mets are investing $12 million through 2008 in a pitcher many believe to be 41 years old. But for them, 40 is the new 30. With Tom Glavine still expected to be re-signed, the Mets locked up Orlando Hernández on Tuesday in a deal teetering between risky and creative.
George King / New York Post:
MUSSINA RETURNS; MECHE ON RADAR — With Mike Mussina re-upping to fall in between ace Chien-Ming Wang and Randy Johnson, if he is healthy, the Yankees have shown an interest in Seattle free agent Gil Meche and are entertaining the possibility of using newly-acquired Humberto Sanchez in a trade for an established starter.
RELATED ITEMS:
ESPN:
Report: Yankees, Mussina agree on two-year deal — Mike Mussina and the New York Yankees have agreed to a two-year, $22.5 million contract extension, the New York Post reported, citing unnamed industry sources. — Mussina, 38, was 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA for the Yankees last season.
Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
Spending spree unlikely — NAPLES, Fla. — As long as George Steinbrenner doesn't impose his irrational whims on anyone — and it has been more than a year now since he last did so — the Yankees will not react to losing out on Daisuke Matsuzaka with a high-priced signing.
Associated Press:
Blanco re-signs with Cubs — Tickets on sale in February — The Cubs agreed to a two-year contract Wednesday with backup catcher Henry Blanco. — There is a mutual option for 2009. — Blanco batted .266 in 74 games last season. He served as a backup to Michael Barrett and filled …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
RELATED ITEMS:
Arizona Phil / The Cub Reporter:
HANK WHITE TO RETURN — According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have re-signed 35-year old back-up catcher (and emergency first-baseman) Henry Blanco to a two-year deal with a mutual option for a third year. Terms were not disclosed, but Bruce Levine at ESPN 1000 reported that Blanco …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Mets acquire OF Ben Johnson from Padres — NAPLES, Fla. - The Mets added another outfielder to their left-field mix Wednesday, acquiring Ben Johnson and right-hander Jon Adkins from the Padres for right-hander Heath Bell and left-hander Royce Ring, FOXSports.com has learned.
RELATED ITEMS:
David Lennon / On the Mets beat:
METS ACQUIRE OUTFIELDER BEN JOHNSON & RHP JON ADKINS FROM SAN DIEGO — Here's the team's official release: — The New York Mets today acquired outfielder Ben Johnson and righthanded relief pitcher from the San Diego Padres in exchange for righthanded relief pitcher Heath Bell and lefthanded relief pitcher Royce Ring.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins' surge nets Girardi award — Club's second Manager of the Year adds to offseason haul — MIAMI — Determination and drive were two traits Joe Girardi exhibited while managing the Florida Marlins in 2006. — Undaunted by taking over the youngest and cheapest team in the Major Leagues …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
RELATED ITEMS:
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers interested in Zito, Thomas — NAPLES, Fla. - The Rangers' new approach to team building: If you can't beat 'em, steal 'em. — With pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka officially out of the picture and Mark DeRosa headed for the Chicago Cubs, the Rangers are turning their attention …
Discussion:
Dallas Star-Telegram
RELATED ITEMS:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Out of left field, Soriano calls Acta — New manager already plotting Nationals' 2007 roster — WASHINGTON — After Manny Acta was informed last week that he would be named the new manager of the Nationals, among the first congratulatory calls he received was from left fielder Alfonso Soriano …
RELATED ITEMS:
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Leyland named top AL manager — Skipper led Detroit to first playoff appearance since 1987 — DETROIT — Tigers manager Jim Leyland couldn't hold off Twins counterpart Ron Gardenhire in the American League Central standings. The AL Manager of the Year voting had a happier ending for him.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Bill Plaschke / Los Angeles Times:
Contrite Beimel wants to mend shattered hearts — Any day now, the tattoo will be carefully needled into his upper right arm. — Don't tell Joe Beimel he's crazy, because he's not changing his mind. Of all the strange things that have happened to him in the last couple of months, nothing makes more sense.
